As part of taking preventive measures to ensure the security of the accounts of the taxpayers, the Income Tax department has recently asked the taxpayers to beware of the fake refund messages sent in the name of the department.
In a recent advisory, the department said that the taxpayers should not open any such links asking them to provide the details of bank accounts, debit cards etc.
“Beware of fake refund messages sent by Fraudsters. Income Tax department never asks PIN, OTP, password or similar access information for credit/ debit cards, banks or other financial accounts related information through e-mail, SMS or phone calls. Taxpayers are cautioned not to respond to such E-mails, SMS or phone calls and not to share personal or financial information.
The income tax department has also sent out emails to all registered users, warning them to beware of such false messages.
The message also includes a link, which opens up to a special page, where the user is asked to enter their credit/debit card details in order to complete tax refund details.
The Income Tax Department constantly warns that it never sends emails asking for any OTP, PIN or similar information with regard to debit/credit cards, bank details via emails, SMS or calls.
Phishing is a fraudulent measure taken by unanimous individuals or group of individuals, to dupe the victim into thinking they are a trustworthy entity. In simple words, they steal away your money while getting hold of your carelessness and blind trust.
Phishing emails and SMSes generally can be recognized, if they contain spelling or grammatical errors or have a questionable email id.
The IT department warns the taxpayers in case of receiving the following:
